Look Who it Was Random video

The Great Library Swindle - Your Rights Are at Risk: Carson Block at TEDxFoCo

1,100 views · Published 4 November 2012 · 27:29 · Indexed 15 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2012 · Science & Technology

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Libraries, oft loved and honored are under attack from the most unlikely of sources. Book publishers, municipal governments and others seem hell-bent on library destruction, while many wonder if libraries are even relevant at all in the digital age. But -- if the library disappears, who will really defend your right to confidentially access free information? Business? The megaminds of the Interwebs? Think again, compadre. Libraries -- and librarians -- care about your rights. Come to learn what the library offers you, what's really at risk, and how the library is more relevant today than ever.

Carson Block has led, managed, and supported library technology efforts for more than 15 years. His efforts at his first library position at the Loveland, Colorado Public Library (beginning in 1994) resulted in the first broadband Internet connection and public access computers for the library. The line was also the first major Internet connection for the city government complex of Loveland!

Carson brings a user-centered technological perspective, with an emphasis on solutions that are both transparent and powerful, with some "gee whiz" thrown into the mix.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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